Hope House nears

Whether it’s a happenin’ dance party, a formal

gala or outdoor sporting event you enjoy, Hope House’s 2015 events are ones you won’t want to miss.

Later this spring, Hope House will host its 4th annual Margarita Ball.

“Although Margarita Ball is a fundraiser, it doesn’t really feel like one,” said Stefanie Shanks, Hope House special events manager. “It’s a party. And, it’s a party no one will want to miss.”

This year Margarita Ball will include three floors of entertainment. Lost Wax and DJ Ashton Martin are back by popular demand, rocking the 2nd floor of Club 1000. The 1st floor will showcase some great auction items, plus a photo booth for all guests to enjoy. Some event sponsors will be able to take advantage of the VIP lounge, located on the lower level of Club 1000. VIPs will enjoy specialty cocktails, a private DJ, plus many more surprises.

And, all attendees will be able to take advantage of unlimited tapas and margaritas while they are dancing the night away, Shanks said.

If the party scene is not for you,

perhaps our gala event, Hope & All That Jazz is more fitting.

“Jazz is definitely our premier event,” said Shanks who is running the event for her second year. “We received a lot of great feedback last year about the elegance of Jazz. This year, we will capitalize on that feedback and make our formal gala even more beautiful and memorable.”

Although Jazz is the longest-running event Hope House has hosted, the volleyball tournament is the newest.

“Our goal with the volleyball tournament is to provide a fun and active event, where supporters can get more involved,” said Shanks. “All sponsored teams will get drink tickets, t-shirts and swag bags while having a blast in the sand,” added Shanks.

Regardless of your event preferences, be it at a dance party, a formal gala or in the sun and sand, 2015 has something for every supporter of Hope House.

Visit www.hopehouse.net/Events to sign up or to get sponsorship information.

Event

“Although Margarita Ball is a fundraiser, it doesn’t really feel like one. It’s a party. And, it’s a party no one will want to miss.”

- Stefanie Shanks, Hope House

Event Coordinator

A Bright Light Bulletin Spring 2015 Edition

Connect with us online at hopehouse.net • • • •

Season

After working more than 33 years as a dentist in Russellville, Arkansas,

Dr. Dan Ryder just couldn’t stay away from the practice.

Ryder has been donating time to the women in Hope House for the last four years. Utilizing his experience and time in retirement, he helps survivors with their most immediate dental needs.

“One of my favorite stories to tell about Dr. Ryder is when one of the women in shelter came in for an appointment,” said MaryAnne Metheny, CEO of Hope House. “She was in so much pain. When Dr. Ryder was finished with the surgery, a week later she kept saying ‘I never knew what normal was supposed to feel like.”

And, that is what Ryder gives the survivors at Hope House – normal.

“Knowing that I’m able to provide good dental services to those who may not have these services available to them is very rewarding,” said Ryder. “It’s rewarding because we are able to show the clients that people

care unconditionally.”Ryder, who retired from his

practice in Arkansas, moved to Lee’s Summit to be closer to his two children and four grandkids who live in the Kansas City area. Now he’s able to spend more time with them, playing golf, camping and backpacking through California every year. But, there is one more thing Ryder enjoys, and that is helping charitable causes, he says.

Not only does Ryder volunteer at Hope House, but he has also opened a free clinic in Arkansas before he moved. And, he volunteers at the Medical Mission for Christ in Camdenton, Missouri.

What brought him to Hope House was a series of coincidences, he said.

“I was on a mission trip in Jamaica through my church,” said Ryder. “While there, the organizer brought in some pharmacy students. I asked how I could get involved.”

From there, Ryder was directed to speak with Dr. Bridget McCandless of Independence. About three months later, she connected Ryder to Metheny

who had been working with another area dentist, Dr. Ross Morrison, to start a dental clinic in the Hope House’s Independence shelter. After receiving a grant to purchase dental equipment, Metheny was in need of a dentist.

“When Dr. Ryder contacted me, we were so thrilled to have his experience and enthusiasm,” said Metheny. “He has done some amazing things for the women here over the last four years. It’s funny because after his visits, you can always hear stories around the halls of shelter about the relief the women have, thanks to his help. We’re truly grateful to have his help.”

Ryder appreciates the facilities and the opportunity to provide immediate relief to the clients at Hope House as he focuses on survivors’ most immediate needs (i.e. fillings, root canals, etc.). But, he has also discussed his desire to perform dental cleanings. He asked any dental hygienists interested in volunteering contact Volunteer Coordinator Brandi Bair at 816-257-9342.

DV Resources available at hopehouse.net

Hope House

for volunteer dentist

A bright light in a community that cares

A Parent’s Guide To Starting The Conversation About Teen Dating Violence Available at hopehouse.net/Domestic-Violence-InformationThe Importance of Talking With Teens About Dating Violence Video available at hopehouse.net/blog

“Why Doesn’t She Just Leave?” An Infographic available at hopehouse.net/Domestic-Violence-Information

Survivors

Smile Big

In January, Hope House announced the addition of its newest team member, Sunny.

Sunny has traveled to several locations in Lee’s Summit, Independence and Kansas City to take photos in prominent locations or with prominent individuals.

And, he is doing wonders. “Sunny has been a shining asset

to Hope House in his short time,” said MaryAnne Metheny, CEO of Hope House. “The way he presents facts about domestic violence is a new approach our team has not had in the past. With Sunny’s help, we’re sharing the facts of DV through a softer, cuddlier medium than ever before.”

The Friday Facts with Sunny have become a great feature on Hope House’s social media accounts and website. The photo of Sunny with the Lee’s Summit Police Department received more positive feedback than other posts this year.

“The officers of the Lee’s Summit Police are always seeking creative ways to share information with the public on important topics,” said Lee’s Summit Police Chief Travis Forbes.

“By working with Sunny, we can reach out to the community and put valuable information in their hands.”

The photo with Sunny is only part of a longtime strategy with local law enforcement. Hope House has worked with the departments to implement an 11-question lethality assessment when responding to domestic violence calls. That program has saved countless lives. And, Hope House is depending on Sunny to share more insight into that program.

“After a recent survey, Hope House realized that even though we have a solid list of supporters, there are still ways we can inform them about domestic violence in our community or our efforts as a whole,” said Metheny. “That is where Sunny has helped. The idea to take photos in recognizable KC locations is engaging our followers more than ever.”

And, not only is Sunny showing his creativity, he’s building relationships, said Forbes.

“The Lee’s Summit Police Department has a long-standing partnership with Hope House, and that partnership has allowed us to offer services to victims of domestic violence for years,” said Forbes. “Hope House has proved a valuable partner in providing training for our detectives as well as our patrol officers to make them more effective at assisting victims and helping break the cycle of abuse.”

Supporters wishing to see Sunny’s journeys across the region are encouraged to connect with Hope House on Facebook and Twitter.

Sunny

As another tax season has passed, Hope House is grateful for the many

individuals and businesses who donated to our cause.

We would like to remind our supporters of the Missouri tax credit, which allows our financial donors who pay Missouri taxes to claim a 50 percent credit when they file their taxes on donations of $100 or more.

“There are many people who give to Hope House annually,” said MaryAnne Metheny, CEO of Hope House. “But, many may not know

about the tax credit in Missouri. Hope House has done a great job helping our supporters use these credits in the past.”

Although the time to claim these credits has passed for 2014, supporters should keep this in mind when making a donation of $100 or more in 2015.

“For donors who give $50 in a year, I’d encourage them to consider this program in 2015,” Metheny said. “You can give $100 now and get $50 back next tax season. So, it’s basically the same amount out of pocket.”

A reminder to Hope House supporters to consider tax credits in 2015

SHINES

A Bright Light Bulletin - Spring 2015 Edition

for Hope House in 2015

Lisa WilliamsMichael Williams

A Bright Light BulletinHOPE HOUSEP.O. Box 577, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063hopehouse.net816-461-4188Hotline: 816-461-HOPE (4673)Metro Hotline: 816-HOTLINE (463-5463)

MaryAnne Metheny, CEONathan Dampf, Managing Editor

For questions or comments, please email us at info@hopehouse.net Hope House is proud to be a member agency of

PRINTING PROVIDED BY:

2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORSHope House LeadershipAshley Gillard, ChairCarol Baker, Chair ElectChristine Ferguson, Immediate Past ChairCynthia Raven, Secretary

Spring 2015 Edition

Becky Sandring, TreasurerMonica AldersonDr. Stephanie De La TorreLinda DuncanBrian Herrmann

Curtis LynchPetros MekonnenSarah MillinLee MooreMichael Moore

COMMUNITY COUNCILCarol Sue BassJacqueline ClarkDick DohertyColleen FoudreeTom HolzbaurJ. Scott King

Barbara KoirtyohannTom KrewsonPhil LeVotaCarol MaysJudy NessBarbara Potts

HOPE HOUSE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (HHYP) BOARD OF DIRECTORSLindsey Rood-Clifford - ChairAbby Mocek - SecretaryBeth BrownTrish CarlyleCarina CrigerAshley Gillard

Ellie HancockTracy HancockBen ThompsonJessica ThompsonErin WebbRachael Zimmerman

Norman SwailsLysle WeeksSally Winship

Jarrod NicholsAdam RossbachElizabeth SmithTerri ThomasGary Walker

Hope House Urgent Needs (new items only please):• Baby Wipes• Allergy Meds (Allegra,

Benadryl, Claritin, etc.)• Blankets for twin beds• Ibuprofen (Motrin)• Cold and flu medications

(adult/children/infant)• Women’s underwear (all sizes)• Women’s socks• Washcloths

• Large bath towels• Toilet paper • Paper towels• Oil Sheen• Pink Oil Moisturizer• Twin sheets• Twin comforters• Tylenol• Cough drops• Non-alcohol cough syrup

Save the Dates (hopehouse.net/Events):Margarita BallApril 24, 2015Hope & All That JazzAug. 15, 2015

For information, contact Event Manager Stefanie Shanks at (816) 257-9333 or sshanks@hopehouse.net

Sand Volleyball TournamentSept. 12, 2015